The leadership of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has expressed concern over attacks on banks and staff following the naira scarcity.
Its national president, Comrade Olusoji Oluwole, who made this known, warned that the union would withdraw memebers from work if the lives of the workers in banks are no longer secured.
Olueole said, “On Saturday 4 February 2023, the banking industry in Nigeria, and in particular lbadan, Oyo State was thrown into disarray with the unwarranted attacks on properties arnd staff of five banks. This was a fall out from the unverified social media reports accusing banks of being the sole cause for the unavailability of the new designed Naira notes.
“We had, in the past, warned of this happening and raised concerns about the safety of our Members working in banks.”
Moreover, the ASSBIFI helmsman said: “sadly, this has continued unabated as our members have been constantly
abused, harassed, and even threatened not to come out of thelir premises at the close of work. The most visual evidence is the video of bank staff in Asaba, Delta State.”
The staff have to run for their lives through a back channel. Bank branches are currently being forced to close their doors due to their inability to provide the much needed cash to the pubiic.
“While we strongly condemn any sharp practices or acts inimical to the smooth disbursement of the New Naira Notes, we call on the public to understand the plight of banks and workers and desist from the continued harassment, and the security agencies to pul in place necessary security measures to protect lives and properties within and around bank premises.”
